'Ah, do not distimulate, my boy; do not be too modest. You have saved a comrade's life! It was magneeficent!'
'Eh?'
'Oh, I know all about it—how you protected your friend William with your wounded body——'
Macgregor's hand went to his head. 'I suppose I'm sober,' he muttered. 'Wha was stuffin' ye wi' a' this, Aunt Purdie?'
Aunt Purdie's manner was almost sprightly as she whispered—
'Your betrothed!'
'Ma what?'
'Christina, her own self, told me. So there you are, young man!'
Macgregor's head wagged feebly on the pillow. 'There's a bonny mix-up somewhaur,' he said; 'it was Wullie saved ma life.' Then, with an effort—'When did ye see her?'
'Now understand, Macgregor, there must be no excitement. You must keep calm. I am doing my best to break it gently. H'm, h'm! As a matter of fac', I seen—saw—your fiancy about ten minutes ago. She is without!'